Sometimes you just need a to-do list for yourself—not for work or class or the kids or the house or the pets or the spouse. Just for you.
Before the holidays descend, I’ve made one for October. It’s 10 quick and easy things I want to do for myself every day this month. I’m calling it my “10 for Month 10,” and I thought I’d share it, in case any of you want to do it along with me.
If you love crossing off things on lists (who doesn’t?), that can be your reward. If you need more motivation, how about promising yourself something nice for achieving 100% … or 75%? I’m thinking box of chocolates, happy hour with friends, new book, or new hairstyle even?
Note: I tried to make this list customizable by using icons that could be interpreted as needed. Here are the icons I used and what they generally mean. Of course, you could assign them any meaning that would fit your needs.
Icon Key:
Daily vitamin. Despite clearly saying “daily” on the bottle, mine is more like biweekly now; hopefully this will change that. You could use it for prescriptions, supplements, slow-mo lifeguard running, etc.
Glass of water. Three of them. Although coffee is a given and wine is a health food, everyone should aim for at least three of these. I’m currently lucky if I fit in one. Awful, I know. That’s why it’s on here.
A letter, call, text, or visit to a friend, family member, mentor, or old acquaintance. Reach out. If you didn’t have tomorrow, what would you wish you had said today?
Exercise, whether it’s taking the stairs instead of using the elevator, going for a walk, or working out at the gym. By the way, did you know there was a recent study that said merely 30 minutes of walking a day is the best thing you could do for your overall health? True. And totally doable.
Something you love. Cuddling your little one. Kissing your spouse. Watching a trashy TV show. Playing a game. Taking a bath. Sneaking time with your kids’ LEGOs. Whatever brings you bliss.
A bit of beauty for your day. It could be nature- or art-related, from gathering a bouquet from the garden to browsing Pinterest to doing a small craft to sketching a picture to going to a museum. Have fun with this one. Anything (no matter how small) counts.
Reading, writing, researching, learning, etc. I didn’t want to risk narrowing this down and making it too intense or specific. As long as it somehow falls in this category, you win. Me, too.
A moment for you. For instance, an extra two minutes to use that yummy smelling lotion you got at the spa (but never remember or find time to use) or five minutes of meditation before you go to sleep at night. Obviously, bigger commitments like actually going to the spa or a yoga meditation session would be great, but don’t stress if you can’t commit to something that big, especially every day. When it comes to relaxing and reflecting, a little effort can often go a long way.
This whole list is about you … or rather us. It’s about honoring ourselves, enjoying life, and endeavoring upon something that has a high feel-good factor. That’s a commitment I am willing to make. I’d love for you to do it with me, too.
And if you do, please come back and share your experience here, okay?
P.S. I also included some open-ended headers in the margins for keeping track of the month’s Must-Do’s, Nice-to-Do’s, Big Days, and Small Joys as needed. For Small Joys, I’m going to note “the little things,” like funny things my daughter said or a recipe I liked.
Enjoy—I plan to!
Angela
My Castle Heart Publications 